Japan Travel Guide

The Yen is currently fairly weak, so Japan is not as expensive as in the past, but still much more expensive than other Asian countries.

Hokkaido is Japan’s furthest-flug extremity and has almost mythical status amongst urban Japanese as a wild frontier.

Sights and activities

• Japan has excellent Word Class skiing and snowboarding.
• Bath in the hot springs while snow lies around
• Volcanoes

When to go

May to September are the summer months, although rain is always possible.  November through to April sees icy winds and heavy snow dumps, so perfect for skiing.

Getting around

Train services are fast, spotless and punctual to the second.  Trains are easy to use despite the Japanese characters, and people are always eager to help.

Food and drink

Eating is one of the great pleasures in Japan.  For the astonishing variety of creatures and favours as well as the actual ritual.  Hokkaido’s cuisine is fuller and heartier than in the south.  Thick ramen noodles with beef or pork are filling.  Crab, octopus and giant prawns fresh from the Sea of Japan are served in big portions.

Breakfast is often a meal of a raw egg cracked over rice, salty fish broth and fermented soya beans, which some Westerners find a little too much first thing in the morning.

Costs

The Japanese Yen is currently weak, so whilst things are more expensive than other Asian countries, costs are probably less than you think.

• Good mean including drinks – US$26
• Bottle of beer – US$3.50
• Bottle of water – US$2
• Cup of coffee – US$3

Health and safety

Japan is one of the safest countries you will ever visit, from both a security and a health point of view. However, be aware of the earthquake procedures publicized by hotel.

Vital Statistics

Useful websites

• www.seejapan.co.uk – Japanese National Tourist Organization.